Vero Beach Coin Show coming Jan. 20-21

VERO BEACH -- Every day, we all hold a piece of history in our hands. For a lucky few, maybe even a hidden treasure. We may throw it in a jar, toss it in a fountain, zip it in a wallet, or jingle it in our pocket, never knowing what we might be holding in our spare change.

The members of the Treasure Coast Coin Club would love for you to start paying attention.

Coin and currency collecting is making a comeback. With the introduction of the state and national park quarters, more and more people have been taking a second look at the change they’re handed at the register.

Chet Hogan, long-time president of the Treasure Coast Coin Club, says that approximately 20 million people started collecting coins when these special quarters were introduced.

“It’s been a great way for novice collectors to get their feet wet,” he said. “Often times, it spurs them to take a look at other coins they’ve kept through the years, and they’ll reach out to us for help with determining their value. People are often surprised what they’ve been holding on to!”

An excellent opportunity for coin enthusiasts to learn more about their collection and the pastime is by attending the 54th annual Vero Beach Coin Show on Jan. 20-21 at the Vero Beach Community Center (2266 14th Ave.).

The event will bring together 37 coin dealers from across the country and an anticipated crowd of 1,500 people from throughout the Treasure Coast. The show will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free admission both days.

Coin dealers will be on hand to buy and sell coins, and they will also have impressive displays of United States paper money, foreign dollars, mint sets, Spanish treasures, books, and more for sale. Experts will be available to examine coins and determine their worth, and displays will be shown for people interested in learning more about the art of coin collecting.

“The show really offers something for everyone,” said Hogan. “People who have a collection started can try and complete their set with a find from one of our dealers. Those who recently inherited coins, or who have just found an interest in the hobby, will learn how to get started.”

Coins for sale will range from $3 to $4 each, and can go up to six or seven figures. Food and drinks are also available for purchase throughout the show, and raffle tickets are being sold for attendees to win a number of valuable prizes.

The Treasure Coast Coin Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Fort Pierce Branch of Indian River State College at 7 p.m. They are 85 members strong, and encompass all ages. Each meeting features an educational segment, refreshments, and a coin auction. Children who attend the meetings never leave empty handed, with more seasoned members eager to pass along the love of the “find.”

“At this year’s Coin Show, 25 Boy Scouts will be receiving their merit badges in coin collecting – a skill we’ve shared with more than 150 Scouts over the years,” said Hogan. “It’s always fun to see the excitement of the kids when they find a treasure.”

For more information about the Treasure Coast Coin Club or the Coin Show, call Chet Hogan at 772-563-3344 or visit www.treasurecoastcoinclub.org.